Structure and Creativity

I’ve recently started working for http://www.thecreativehub.net.nz/ helping manage the social media side of things. The name got me thinking about creativity.

A good friend of mine Libby Huirua once said that ‘spontenaity comes from a prepared base’. But more than that, I’ve been realising lately, that it is structure that provides a base for creativity to flourish, not unbridled freedom and a lack of restrictions.

Found this textile artist who’s post reflects some of my thoughts.

http://blog.lisacall.com/2010/11/structure-leads-to-creativity/

What about you? Do you feel your creativity is stifled by structure, or does it serve you?

It’s funny, my geeky nature loves structure and erm, I’ll admit it, spreadsheets. Ha!

My definition of creativity is the ability to make connections and find solutions to problems. Sounds too simple…but is it? I believe it really is as simple as that. Those things actually sound like geeky, structured, thought out things.

So have we been peddling this myth of flaky artist ways for too long?

What are your thoughts?

Articles

Recently I have been writing for the Pukekohe publication, Elocal magazine, as their Women’s section feature writer.

You can view some of the articles here, including my latest feature on the fashion of the 1960s.

http://www.elocal.co.nz/View_Article.aspx?Id=546&title=Those_Swinging_Sixties

 

My most treasured posession

Folk Tales of all Nations, edited by F.H. Lee.

Red hard cover with gold embossing, light foxing to pages. First Edition. 

Some of the stories included:

• The Spider Which Bought a Dog as a Slave – Northern Nigeria
• Why the Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down – West Africa
• The Treasure Chamber of Rhampsinitus – Egypt
• The Schildburgers??? – Germany
• The Speaking Grapes, the Smiling Apple and the Tinkling Apricot – Hungary
• The Booby – Italy (Seriously.)
• The friendship of the Squirrel and the Creeping Fish – Malay Tale
• The Story of the home-bred boy – Tibet
• The Giant who had no heart in his body – Norse Tale

I am having a ball reading these. They are an endless source of inspiration. Currently working on a poetry submission for Blackmail Press. Soaking up these stories for creative fuel.

Anna